TN SB2324

Prevailing parties in juvenile court proceedings involving custody, visitation, relocation, child support, or dependency and neglect cases may recover attorney's fees, court costs, and litigation expenses from the nonprevailing party at the court's discretion, excluding awards for or against the department.

Courts may temporarily suspend child support obligations when a child is removed from a custodial parent's physical custody during a pending dependency and neglect proceeding.

Unmarried parents in juvenile court custody or parenting schedule proceedings must complete a mandatory 4-hour parent educational seminar covering co-parenting skills, conflict reduction, adverse childhood experiences, and the judicial process.

Courts may waive the seminar requirement for good cause, including domestic violence history or impracticality, and indigent parents may have fees waived; willful failure to attend may result in contempt charges and negative consideration in custody determinations.

Effective July 1, 2026.